College Volunteers

Application Availability: Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  The guiding principles of the volunteer program include providing clear expectations regarding your process and experience.  Priorities also include welcoming and educating new volunteers to hospital policies and procedures.  Beginning in January 2013, Nationwide Children's Hospital will be accepting college applications on a quarterly basis.  The application will only be available during the months listed below.  Please note, the link will also no longer be accessible when the program reaches capacity for that month.  Application Volunteering Schedule Apply in January Begin volunteering by April Apply in April Begin volunteering by July Apply in July Begin volunteering by October Apply in October Begin volunteering by December

Nationwide Children's Hospital's College Volunteer Program

Who:  Adults, 18 years of age and older, currently enrolled in college or technical school

What:  Volunteers provide support to patients, families, and staff.  Some assignments have direct patient contact, other assignments are more supportive.  Volunteer assignments can include patient units, clinics, OT/PT, sibling clubhouse, Reach Out and Read, among others.

When:  Assignments will be on the same day/same time each week, typically 2-3 hours.  There are limited opportunities during evening hours.  Schedules can be changed as class schedules change each quarter/semester, provided there are openings.

Where: Primarily at the hospital’s main campus, although some assignments are available at Primary Care Centers or Close to Home locations.  Attendance is very important, so please consider transportation when considering if this is a good match for you.

Cost:  Volunteer polo shirt is $23 or vest is $23, plus tax.

Commitment: Minimum initial commitment is 50 hours or 5-6 months.  We welcome and encourage volunteers to stay longer; however, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who want shorter assignment periods

The application process includes:

• Complete the online application during January, April, July, or October

• Reference checks—Nationwide Children's will send forms to those non-family members you select

• Information session—provide you with an overall picture of the program and specific information about available volunteer openings

• BCI and/or FBI Background check

• General hospital orientation (available monthly)

• Training for specific volunteer position

Please review the FAQ's below. If you have additional questions, we will be happy to answer them.  
Email: Volunteering@NationwideChildrens.org
Phone: (614) 722-3635

When to Apply

We know college students are in a variety of situations, yet still want to volunteer.  Please check to see if one of these scenarios matches your situation:

 

I want to shadow or observe—I need those hours to apply to a professional program.  

Shadowing, observation, and internship hours are scheduled through the Education Department.  Call 614-355-0678. 

Do you have volunteer assignments in every department?  I plan on majoring in xxx and want to get experience there.
We respond to the needs of the staff when placing volunteers.  If a department has requested a volunteer, then that is where we place them.

I volunteered as a teen.  Do I need to complete another application?
No, you do not.  Check with FVS.  Depending on when you volunteered, we will let you know what we need you to do.

I have a long holiday break and I would like to volunteer at that time.
Thank you for thinking of Nationwide Children's Hospital.  We know some breaks can be 4-6 weeks or longer.  If you have volunteered with us before, contact us prior to your break and let us know your availability.  You may need to complete some paperwork.  If you have never been a volunteer, this just isn’t enough time to get through our process.  Please plan on starting at the beginning of the school year or in the summer, then we would welcome you back during your breaks.

 

What are the uniform and dress code requirements to volunteer?

Volunteers are required to purchase and wear a uniform while volunteering.  If financial hardship exists, arrangements can be made to get a uniform at no charge.  In addition to the uniform polo or vest, volunteers must wear their name badge, long pants (no jeans) or knee-length skirt, and closed-toe shoes.  Artificial nails, visible tattoos and facial piercings are not permitted.